ESPN host Mike Greenberg issued an on-air apology to Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston after incorrectly identifying him as the son of a former NFL receiver.
The error came shortly after the Browns selected Boston with the No. 39 overall pick in the second round. As the pick was announced, Greenberg turned to draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. and drew a connection to a name both recognized from years past.
“So there you are, Mel, that’s another player whose name you were waiting to hear called,” Greenberg said. “You remember his dad, David Boston, first-round pick out of Ohio State in 1999.”
David Boston was indeed taken 8th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1999 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, going on to put together a 1,000-yard season in 2001 before his career was cut short by injuries. But Denzel Boston has no familial connection to the former receiver. Greenberg corrected himself later in the broadcast.
“I was waiting for them to come around so I could apologize to Denzel Boston, who earlier tonight I misidentified as being the son of former NFL receiver David Boston,” Greenberg said. “It was a mistake in my research. It’s a terrible one and I apologize to them both. They are not related to each other. So, I apologize to both David and Denzel Boston and congratulations to Denzel.”
Browns WR Denzel Boston Has Chip on Shoulder
The Browns were fortunate to snag Boston in the second round. The 6-foot-4, 212-pound receiver out of Washington was considered a potential first-round pick heading into draft weekend but was still on the board when the second round began.
“My parents, my brother, for sure, and also the rest of my team as well,” Boston said of who helped him through the wait. “When I didn’t end up getting picked in the first round, they were there rallying behind me, saying, ‘hey, we’re gonna be here tomorrow, and we’ll wait until that name does get called.’ It was definitely frustrating, but it just gave me a chip on my shoulder.”
Browns assistant general manager Glenn Cook acknowledged the organization felt fortunate to land him where they did.
“We think a lot about Denzel’s talent and his ability,” Cook said, via the Browns’ official site. “I think a lot of teams probably had him with the first-round grade or really high up. So we’re just excited that we had the chance to still get him where we were sitting at.”
Boston finished his four-year career at Washington with 132 receptions for 1,781 yards and 20 touchdowns across 43 games, with 14 of those scores coming in the red zone.
Browns Add More Weapons to Offense
Boston’s arrival came after Cleveland used its second first-round pick — No. 24 overall — on Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion. The Browns went back-to-back at the position, which was a direct response to finishing last in the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns last season.
“I think that we’re going to bring a good mix of explosiveness,” Boston said. “Both of us have generated tons of touchdowns throughout our college careers. So I think those are the two things you can look forward to.”
The two receivers complement each other with distinct skill sets. Concepcion brings explosive, all-purpose ability and adds value as a returner on special teams. Boston, meanwhile, thrives on the outside, using his size to win contested catches and create mismatches, particularly in the red zone.
The rookie duo joins Cleveland’s receiver room, which includes Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Isaiah Bond.
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